Introducing The Lantern Circle: Shining a Light on Monthly Giving

WellStone is proud to announce its newest giving program: The Lantern Circle—a special group of donors who support our mission through recurring monthly gifts.

By bringing their lanterns together, these generous individuals shine a brighter light on mental wellness in our community and help ensure a stronger, more sustainable future for behavioral healthcare in North Alabama.

“We wanted to make sure that WellStone knew they could count on our donation each month,” said Ann Marie Lang, who, along with her husband Gene, began monthly giving three years ago. “This can make it easier for budgeting purposes of their various programs.“

Monthly giving is gaining momentum across the country. Between 2018 and 2022, recurring donations increased by 144% nationwide. While WellStone’s growth hasn’t been quite as fast, it has been steady.

That’s a promising trend. Consistent charitable income provides a strong foundation for planning and expanding services. And according to Giving USA, many monthly donors eventually become major contributors over time.

This type of giving is also a win for donors. It’s flexible, convenient, and often more manageable than a single large gift. One young professional puts it simply:

“I donate $7.36 each month—the cost of my favorite coffee at Gold Sprint.”

It’s a reminder that even modest recurring gifts can go a long way when combined with the collective power of The Lantern Circle. No matter the amount, these donors are lighting the way to hope and healing—month after month.

“Gene and I support WellStone because mental health hasn’t always been talked about,” Ann Marie shared. “It was often kept a secret in families. We’re glad WellStone is bringing education and awareness to the forefront and helping people who are struggling.”

Karen Petersen, WellStone’s Director of Development, is especially excited about the new program and eager to spotlight its supporters.

“We want all of our donors to know how grateful we are,” Petersen said. “Monthly donors have a special kind of dedication. They give month after month, often year after year. That’s a big deal.”

In the coming months, WellStone plans to offer more engagement opportunities for Lantern Circle members.

“We are so glad to be part of this program,” said Ann Marie. “Gene and I are grateful that we can help support mental health in North Alabama. These donations help us feel even more connected to our community.”

The very first monthly donors—Jon and Sonja Rossow—signed up in the fall of 2021, when recurring giving first became available. They were soon followed by Jalynn Whitfield, a local college student.

Since then, the circle has grown, with each member making a lasting difference in the lives of the thousands of children, adults, and seniors WellStone serves each year.

If you’d like to join Ann Marie, Gene, and others in The Lantern Circle, please visit one of our donation pages and select the recurring gift option.

Please note: A minimum monthly donation of $5.30 is required by our donor software platform.